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Michael Weyman of the Dragons is helped from the field with an injury during the round 10 NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Centrebet Stadium on May 14, 2012 in Sydney, AustraliaMark Kolbe / Getty Images

THE odds are against it, but Dragons prop Michael Weyman hopes he could be back wearing the red V as soon as next month's Charity Shield clash against South Sydney.

The Australian and NSW representative hasn't played since he suffered a season-ending knee injury against Penrith in round 10 last year.

Weyman has resumed running and said he was confident he would be right for the start of the season.

"I'm back running again and I'm not far off full training but it's just about getting the rehab right ... it's just one of those things you have to take slow," he said.

"I'm aiming to be back for round one, but I'd really like to get a trial game under my belt and possibly the Charity Shield."

The traditional rivals will face off in the 30th annual Charity Shield match at ANZ Stadium on Friday, February 22.

Weyman said he had it tough watching from the sidelines and could not wait to pull on the jersey again.

"A long injury like this just gets you hungrier for footy again and you really value what we do for a living when you can't do it," he said.